SMUGGLER MARINE
Smuggler is preparing for an ʻepicʼ 202172 JUNE–JULY 2019 | International Boat Industry ibinews.com
Markets & Regions
OVERVIEW | NEW ZEALAND
THE SUM OF AUDIO INNOVATION
relying on the traditional
outsourced-sales model
through a dealership
network,” says Fink.
Imported boat sales have
also benefited from a robust
local economy with brands
such as Grady White making
a significant impact on the
offshore fishing market,
both in centre consoles and
small cruisers. In the past
few years, Stuart Arnold local
agent for Grady White has seen a rise in not only
enquiry levels but sales of this iconic US brand.
“Grady White’s are unlike any brands made in New
Zealand, and that’s what makes them so appealing to
serious boaties who appreciate not only high quality
but also performance, both of which you get in a
Grady,” says Arnold.
Sports Marine is one of the countries longest
established marine dealers and continued to post
strong top-line growth for three consecutive years
led by healthy demand for their premium offerings
including Sea Ray, Boston Whaler, and the new
distribution of Nimbus boats from Sweden.
“Sales over the last 12 months have increased by
over 20%, and we currently have the highest value
of sold boats on order in the companies 40-year
history,” says director, Ian Williamson.
He said that the great weather this past summer
throughout much of New Zealand, has undoubtedly
been a decisive factor driving sales and he believes
that market demand over the next year or so will
reflect modest growth. As a result, the company will
continue to execute a strong overall marine strategy
including the addition recently of Princess Motor
Yachts to their premium portfolio.ACTIVE RIB MARKET
RIB sales have also been active in 2018, from the
smallest tenders and mid-range centre consoles
from Kiwi brands such as Explorer, Seafarer and
Southern Pacific through to 12m multi-engine RIBs
from Protector and Naiad. There has also been a
move into the RIB market by several leading GRP
trailer boat builders, such as Buccaneer and Fi Glass
who have taken stock hulls and wrapped them with
inflatable collars. Sales for both have been steady.
There are also a few new players in the market, such
as King Watercraft and Tino that are both producing
exceptionally high-quality boats for use as luxury
tenders or sport boats.
Smuggler Boats has long had a strongIN 2004 SMUGGLER Marine began production of one
trailer boat, the Smuggler Stealth 695. This has increased
over the past 15 years to more than 25 different models
including both fibreglass trailer boats and RIBs. The
most notable increase in sales has been RIBs, where
the company found a niche market early on with its
superyacht tenders, which then naturally progressed to
trailered RIBs for both domestic and international markets.
In the last 12 months to April 2019, Smuggler sales are
up around 15%, a trend which has been consistent over
15 years of trailer boat production for the West Auckland
business. Export on average makes up around 25% of the
company’s annual revenue.
With the upcoming America’s Cup in 2021, Smuggler
Marine has had good enquiry for tour boats built to MSA
standard and is currently building several RIBs specifically
for the event.
“The general public often have a misconception that
the America’s Cup is a rich man’s event, which has no
benefit to the average person. However, this has been
proven to be totally false, with millions of dollars being
poured into local businesses, employing local people, and
helping build the local economy,” says Smuggler directors
and owners, David and Pauline Pringle. “This is an exciting
time to be in the marine business as we prepare for what is
going to be an epic event in 2021.”
Smuggler continues to build its reputation in New
Zealand and overseas as a premium brand, well known for
producing high quality, bespoke solutions for customers.
Whether the purpose is to grace the deck of a superyacht,
have fun at the beach house, or fish and dive around the
coastlines of the world, Smuggler has a boat in its range
to suit.
smuggler.co.nz Explorer Inflatables
have seen a growth
in exports to Europe,
Australia and SE Asia, for
their jet tenders